Coming off one of the program’s best seasons, Florida State football has taken a nosedive in 2024. The Seminoles went 13-0 and won the ACC last year, a resume that had their fans gearing up for the College Football Playoff. However, the playoff committee ended up leaving them out, and the wheels fell off in an ugly 63-3 loss against Georgia, albeit with a shorthanded squad.
That performance set the scene for this season, as the Seminoles started off as the No. 10 team in the country and led by Oregon State transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Week 1 was a shocker for Florida State, who lost to Georgia Tech by a field goal in Dublin.
It could have been seen as a one-off loss, an international game in the first week of the season against a solid Georgia Tech side. However, the next two weeks proved it wasn’t a fluke, as head coach Mike Norvell’s team dropped back-to-back matchups against Boston College and Memphis.
The Seminoles were able to bounce back against a solid Cal team, but got stomped by No. 25 SMU two weeks ago 42-16 and routed by No. 10 Clemson last week 29-13. In the fourth quarter of the loss to the Mustangs, Uiagalelei broke a finger on his throwing hand. His injury handed the keys to the offense to redshirt freshman Brock Glenn, who was granted the start against the Tigers and figures to start this weekend.
On the other hand, Duke has gotten off to a strong start, despite losing its last game to Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils have followed head coach Manny Diaz’s keys to success, and they have been competitive in every game thus far. Florida State is arguably the more talented team in this weekend’s matchup, but Duke has been playing with a higher floor and will have a chance to win the game.
If the Blue Devils want to beat Seminoles, they’ll be looking to stop Glenn’s offense from getting into rhythm. Under Uiagalelei, the unit was not dynamic, with the team averaging a paltry 2.2 rushing yards per attempt. However, Glenn brings more mobility and playmaking ability outside of the pocket, a tougher task for the Duke defense.
“He has a powerful arm. What you saw in the Clemson game is that they trust the guy,” Duke defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke said Monday. “I think the kids were inspired by the way they played for him … and he has all the tools. He can really spin the ball, push it down the field and he has a lot of weapons on the outside lane.”
As Patke said, when Glenn connects with his deep threats, the Seminoles can put up points quickly. Glenn showcased his arm talent in this touchdown throw against the Tigers.
Duke’s stout secondary led by Jaylen Stinson, Chandler Rivers and Terry Moore will have the assignment of stopping the duo of Ja’Khi Douglas and Malik Benson. Duke’s defense needs to halt the Seminole passing attack and not give up chunk plays like the one below.
On the other side of the ball, the Florida State defense has been vulnerable, as defensive coordinator Adam Fuller’s unit has allowed more than 20 points in five of its six games so far this season. Allowing 4.4 rushing yards per attempt can be described as porous at best, and Duke’s running back rotation led by Star Thomas will look to take advantage of a front that is last in the ACC in rushing yards allowed per game.
In their most recent matchup, the Seminoles’ defensive line got manhandled by Clemson, exemplified by 60 of the easiest yards of running back Phil Mafah’s career.
If the Blue Devils are able to shut down Florida State’s one-dimensional offense and take advantage of a weak defense, they’ll be in good shape Friday night. However, if Glenn has time to maneuver and Duke’s offense plays inconsistently, it could be a disappointing night for Diaz’s bunch in Wallace Wade Stadium.
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